Except

Definition

Except is a preposition, conjunction, and verb used to indicate exclusion from a statement or group. It denotes something that is not included or is an exception to what has been specified.

Parts of Speech

• Preposition
• Conjunction
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsɛpt/
• Respelling: ik-SEPT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsɛpt/
• Respelling: ik-SEPT

Etymology

The word "except" originates from the Latin "excipere," meaning "to take out" or "exclude," formed from "ex-" (out of) and "capere" (to take). It entered Middle English through Old French as "excepter," maintaining its meaning of exclusion or omission.

Derivatives

• Exception (noun)
• Exceptional (adjective)
• Exceptionally (adverb)
• Excepting (verb)
• Unexceptional (adjective)

Synonyms

• Apart from
• Excluding
• But

Antonyms

• Including
• Involving
• Accepting

Usage

The word "except" is used to denote exclusion. As a preposition, it indicates something that is not part of a group or list, as in "Everyone was invited except John." As a conjunction, it connects two clauses to highlight the exclusion, such as "I would go, except I’m busy."

Related Terms

• Exclude: To leave something out or not include.
• Omit: To leave out or skip over.
• Exclude: To remove from consideration.

Detailed Definitions

Preposition

• Apart from; not including: Indicates something that is excluded from a list or group.
  • Example: "All the guests, except the children, enjoyed the movie."

Conjunction

• Used to introduce a statement that excludes or qualifies something: Connects clauses to show an exception.
  • Example: "She would attend, except she was feeling unwell."

Verb

• To exclude or leave out: Refers to the act of making an exception.
  • Example: "They excepted certain expenses from the total."